Home - health - Odors That Trigger Migraines And Ways To Manage The Condition
Odors that trigger migraines and ways to manage the condition

Odors that trigger migraines and ways to manage the condition

Around one in seven individuals worldwide suffer from migraine. It is a severe headache that affects one side of the head, usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting. While migraine can be caused due to several reasons, increased sensitivity to smells, or osmophobia, is a prevalent trigger. It is not clear why some are sensitive to specific smells and develop headaches. Below are a few odors that can trigger migraines and ways to manage the condition:

Which odors can trigger migraines?
Smells are just as powerful a trigger for migraine as sleep deprivation. The most prevalent smells that can lead to migraine are gasoline, car exhaust, perfumes, pesticides, asphalt, nail polish, cooking steam, and detergents. However, it can take over 15 minutes for a person to develop symptoms after exposure to a problematic odor.

Why do smells trigger migraines?
As mentioned, hypersensitivity to these smells is the cause of the problem. Experts suggest that increased sensitivity may be linked to a smaller olfactory bulb, a brain receptor responsible for processing odors. Studies show that people with migraines have a relatively tinier olfactory bulb than others.

How to manage migraines?
Migraines caused due to osmophobia can be extremely painful and unpleasant. Many individuals report feeling disgusted by the smell of food being cooked and repelled by raw food. But thankfully, the condition can be managed effectively by following a few tips:

Choose healthy foods
A few foods can help manage the symptoms of a migraine. These include:

  • Bananas
    This fruit can be a go-to pick for those who experience frequent episodes of migraines. Bananas boost energy levels, help reduce pain, and provide several other benefits. They are rich in magnesium, B vitamins, and potassium, essential for fighting headaches.
  • Watermelon
    This fruit consists of 92 percent water. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods with high water content can help stay hydrated. This is important because dehydration is one of the biggest migraine triggers. Besides watermelon, other fruits with high water content include strawberries, grapefruit, papaya, and peaches.
  • Spinach
    Low brain magnesium levels are often a migraine trigger. Since spinach is rich in magnesium, it is a must-have food for migraine sufferers. One cup of this dark green leafy vegetable has about 157 mg of magnesium when cooked.

Avoid trigger foods
A few foods can trigger a headache or worsen an ongoing migraine episode. These include:

  • Foods with MSG
    Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a type of flavor enhancer commonly found in processed foods like canned or frozen foods, seasoning, snacks, soups, and more. Studies suggest that MSG may trigger a migraine attack in as little as 20 minutes.
  • Chocolates
    About 20 percent of migraine sufferers regard chocolate as their number one trigger. Chocolates have a specific compound that can affect the central nervous system and lead to a migraine attack.
  • Yeast
    Foods with yeast like freshly-baked bread, cakes, donuts, or sourdough bread can also trigger a migraine attack. It contains tyramine, which causes symptom flare-ups.

Make suitable lifestyle adjustments
Experts recommend making specific lifestyle changes to manage migraine symptoms:

  • Maintain good sleep hygiene
    Getting proper sleep can help keep migraines under check. A good night’s rest can increase the pain threshold and reduce the frequency of the attacks. Adequate sleep also helps tackle stress, which is a well-known migraine trigger.
  • Be active
    E xercising is good for the heart and head. It releases chemicals that block pain sensation, improves mood, and strengthens specific muscles. Individuals can indulge in brisk walking, running, swimming, and even HIIT workouts.
  • Maintain a diary
    P atients can maintain a diary and record their symptoms, frequency, ongoing treatment, triggers, and migraine patterns. This information can be helpful for a healthcare expert in recommending a tailored treatment or management plan.

Use the right treatment
In severe cases, patients may require treatment to manage the pain and prevent migraine episodes. Here are three common options to consider after consulting with a doctor:

  • Nurtec ODT
    It is an oral treatment to be used as soon as the symptoms occur to reduce the pain and other discomforts. One may find relief within 60 minutes. Besides managing the symptoms, Nurtec ODT helps reduce the frequency of migraine episodes if used correctly. Nausea is a common side effect of this treatment, and one should consult a doctor if it does not go away or worsens.
  • UBRELVY
    It is an FDA-approved option for treating migraine with or without aura in adults. UBRELVY can be used orally, with or without food. Its dosage depends on the patient’s response to treatment. If symptoms do not stop, one can use a second dose after two hours of the first. UBRELVY may result in side effects like drowsiness or nausea.
  • QULIPTA
    It is an FDA-approved treatment option recommended to avoid migraine episodes in adults and not as a remedy for an ongoing attack. QULIPTA comes in three strengths: 60 mg, 30 mg, and 10 mg. This treatment’s most common side effects are constipation, fatigue, and nausea.

As is evident from the above points, migraine is manageable if one takes the proper steps, like following the right food plan, making lifestyle adjustments, and using the correct treatment options.

Latest Articles

5 smart ways of using tablet computers
Tablets

5 smart ways of using tablet computers

You see tablet computers everywhere. More and more people are now moving toward tablets in offices, coffee shops, homes, and even schools. This is because they offer more power and uses than a smartphone and better portability than a desktop or even a laptop. Tablets have many more uses than simply checking your emails or browsing social media. Here are some interesting ways to find more uses for your tablet computer: Second screen Some people like to work on two screens at a time due to the demand of their work. This also enhances productivity and cuts down on time. It is easy to mirror your Android to another Android or even a computer. To use your tablet as an extended display, you need to install an application on your computer and connect the tablet to it using a USB cable or Wi-Fi. Some of the best app options to do this include Spacedesk, Google Remote Desktop, iDisplay, Duet Display, etc. As a remote to control electronics Tablet computers can be easily used to control your electronics. A tablet is larger than a remote and much easier to find and operate with better features. You can control your PC and television with it. It can also dim your home lights, open your garage door, and operate your smart fridge and washing machine. For instance, if you have a Sony Smart TV, you can use the TV Sideview application for your Apple and Android systems. E-Reader If you are an avid reader and have an old tablet, you don’t need to purchase a new e-reader. Your tablet can easily be used as an e-reader to browse your favorite books, magazines, comic strips, and even news applications. Since tablet screens have more glare, we suggest getting an anti-glare film on the screen.
Ignore these 8 foods when diagnosed with hyperkalemia
health

Ignore these 8 foods when diagnosed with hyperkalemia

Potassium is an essential nutrient that allows your body to function optimally. A meal plan rich in potassium allows proper nerve function and regulates your heartbeat. However, certain conditions such as kidney diseases and consuming food rich in potassium excessively may increase its levels in your bloodstream leading to a condition known as hyperkalemia . Let’s look at foods you should limit to keep your potassium within normal levels. Bananas The first food that comes to mind when people think of potassium sources is bananas. One medium-sized banana contains almost 422 mg of potassium. Though it would take a lot of bananas to cause an overdose of potassium, if you are also eating other foods rich in potassium, it will lead to excessive potassium levels in your blood, which in turn, will trigger hyperkalemia . Tomato Sauce and Paste Raw tomatoes contain a decent amount of potassium. One medium tomato has about 292 mg of potassium. Concentrated forms of tomatoes, such as sauces, salsa, paste, puree, etc., contain even higher amounts of potassium. For instance, a small cup of tomato sauce contains almost 728 mg potassium. So, it is advised to skip tomato sauce and opt for alternatives such as basil or roasted red peppers. Milk If you have been advised a low potassium meal plan, you must avoid milk or at least its consumption needs to be reduced. A cup of whole milk contains around 350 mg of potassium. The lower the amount of fat in milk, the higher the potassium content. While you may have a small serving of milk daily, it should not exceed 300 ml. It means avoiding milk and dairy products such as buttermilk, yogurt, milk-based sweets, ice creams, and other desserts. Oranges and Orange Juice Oranges have a very high potassium content and are best avoided if diagnosed with hyperkalemia .
7 mistakes to avoid when buying a new computer
Tech

7 mistakes to avoid when buying a new computer

With all the options of computer brands available in the market today, you might think it is effortless to pick up one. However, with so many choices, it can get tricky as buying a computer is a hefty, long-term investment. That’s why you should be aware of some common buying mistakes people would make while purchasing this device. And so, here are a few things to avoid before you invest in a computer : Buying without knowing your needs Never buy a computer just because everyone is buying it or there’s a lot of hype around it. While you may want to prioritize aesthetics and popularity, you need to identify your need for a computer and its software . Make a list of all the features that you would need and get the computer configured accordingly. Unfamiliar with different software programs Not knowing the right software may cost you heavily. Purchasing expensive software with a long list of features may not be the best thing to do if half of these features don’t even apply to your work. Next, know how to install and use the software. You also need to know if the software is protected against bugs with an antivirus program and consider the after-sale service of the software. Not considering different operating systems There are four primary operating systems you should know – Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Linux. While technology has made it easier to switch between these operating systems, you may often find one or more applications not working on alternative systems. So, if you have an expensive software installed, check with your developer if it will be compatible with the OS you plan to get. Not accounting for other computer costs A common mistake made by many while purchasing a computer is not accounting for other costs that are part of the bundle.